Balthasar stood at the castle gates, his party gathered around him. It had been a week since the conclusion of the royal trial, and now the queen had chosen to commemorate the heroes' victory with a magnificent celebration.

The Magic Hero and his entourage made their way into the bustling ballroom, filled with a myriad of nobles and other heroic parties. In an instant, Balthasar's gaze fell upon the gathering of the Shield Hero's party.

With a casual stride, Balthasar approached the panda Demi-Human. "Hey there, Squirt," he greeted, his voice lighthearted. As he placed a hand on her shoulder, she flinched involuntarily, taken by surprise.

"Magic Guy!" Filo exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she spotted him. Then, she turned to Balthasar's Kitsune companion. "Emi!"

Emiko glanced at Balthasar, who nodded in confirmation. A radiant smile spread across her face as she swiftly darted past the Magic Hero and embraced the Filolial in a hug.

Balthasar approached Raphtalia and her party, his gaze filled with warmth. "Do you mind if my party joins you guys?" he asked, a note of friendliness in his voice.

"Of course," Raphtalia replied graciously as the Magic Hero left to join the other Heroes.

Balthasar left the ballroom and was escorted to a room where the other heroes, and the queen awaited. The moment he stepped into the room, all eyes turned towards him.

"Man, you just don't know how to show up on time." Motoyasu's snicker echoed through the room as he couldn't resist making a remark. "What happened? Did you get lost on your way here?"

Balthasar's retort came swiftly, laced with the same level of sarcasm. "What happened to you?" he shot back. "Did you get manipulated by the conniving witch or did you fall off the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down?"

The queen gracefully intervened, extending a warm welcome to Sir Balthasar. "Welcome, Sir Balthasar," she greeted the Dragonoid. "Please, take a seat."

"I think I'd prefer to stand," Balthasar replied, his tone firm. He promptly moved towards the nearest wall, leaning against it casually.

The Heroes and the queen sat around the table, a heavy silence filling the air. Suddenly, Itsuki rose from his seat. "Before we proceed, can we please address the obvious issue?" All eyes quickly turned to the Magic Hero.

"What's the matter?" Balthasar inquired, raising an eyebrow as he scanned the faces of the heroes.

"You were covered in black scales, and you sprouted horns and a tail!" Itsuki exclaimed, his voice filled with confusion and concern. "What exactly are you?"

Balthasar met the questioning gaze of the heroes. "On your world, what did you evolve from?" he asked calmly. "Lions? Tigers? Bears?"

"Oh my!" Motoyasu exclaimed, finally registering the question. "Um, actually, we originate from small tree-dwelling primates. Do you have lemurs or apes on your world?"

"Apes," Balthasar mused, his voice tinged with a touch of amusement, before he straightened up, radiating an air of regality. "Well, unlike you all, my world evolved from the kings of reptiles."

"So you evolved from lizards," Motoyasu grinned

The remark ignited a furious rage within the Dragonoid, causing him to stomp toward the table. His already dragon-like features intensified, and a pair of majestic horns emerged from his forehead. With a powerful thud, Balthasar forcefully slammed his now clawed hands onto the table, while a magnificent pair of large dragon wings burst forth from his back. The Dragon descendant locked eyes with the Spear Hero, his crimson Dragon eyes piercing through.

"Say that again, and I'll fashion your balls into a coin purse!" Balthasar growled, smoke billowing from his mouth. "I am a Dragon! Dra-gon... we don't do that tongue thing," he added, flicking his forked tongue dismissively.

"S...Sorry," Motoyasu stammered, fear evident in his eyes.

"You would do well to keep your comments to yourself around me," Balthasar's warning echoed with a sternness that demanded attention. He took a deep breath, a visible transformation occurring as his horns and wings slowly receded into his body, and his hands returned to their normal form. " Dragons, you see, can be rather temperamental creatures," he explained.

Ren interjected, recalling his own encounter, "Indeed, they are notoriously territorial. I came across one that was fiercely territorial."

Balthasar's expression turned bitter as he responded, "Yes, we are. That territorial nature has led my world into a state of constant war."

The queen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "War? Who are your people fighting against?"

"Themselves," Balthasar replied with a tinge of sadness. "My world is plagued by crime and violence to such an extent that we had to dismantle the old law enforcement methods and establish the Enforcers."

Curiosity piqued, Itsuki inquired further, "The Enforcers? Are they more effective at enforcing the law than the previous police force?"

Balthasar scoffed, revealing a toothy grin. "Enforce the law? No, the Enforcers are beyond that. We don't simply enforce the law; we embody the Law itself."

Ren's realization caused a questioning tone to enter his voice, "Wait, so you were one of these Enforcers?"

Pride filled Balthasar's response as he recounted his past, "Indeed, I was one of the best. The Enforcers were tasked with delivering righteous judgment upon the guilty."

Motoyasu interjected, drawing a parallel between Balthasar's role and that of a judge, "You sound more like a judge than an officer." Balthasar's grin widened, embracing the similarity.

"That's because I was," the Dragonoid declared, drifting into memories of his former glory. "For the guilty, we Enforcers served as the Judge, the Jury, and most importantly, the Executioner."

The Sword Hero persisted in questioning the Dragonoid, his voice filled with doubt. "Have you ever questioned the guilt of those you judged, or did you simply accept it without hesitation? Were you allowed to challenge your orders, or were you expected to unquestioningly follow like obedient dogs?"

Balthasar's response echoed with a chilling certainty. "I delivered judgment to those who were guilty," he stated firmly, devoid of remorse. "It was not my place to question the directives of my superiors. However, I assure you, I only punished those who truly deserved it."

Itsuki, the Bow Hero, confronted the Dragonoid head-on. "But how can you be so certain of their guilt? Have you ever contemplated the possibility that your masters are exploiting you as a mere killing machine?" His frustration boiled over as he rose from his seat, slamming his hands onto the table. "Have you ever even considered that?"

Balthasar's cold response held no trace of doubt. "No, I have not," he replied, his demeanor unwavering. "Furthermore, none of you truly comprehend the urgency and gravitas of the Enforcers."

Itsuki couldn't contain his indignation as he shouted back, "What justification could possibly warrant taking someone's life?"

The tension reached its peak as Balthasar's voice thundered through the room, his body beginning to swell. "Enough!" he roared, his presence overwhelming as he demanded attention.

As Balthasar's body underwent the dramatic metamorphosis, he became enveloped in a shroud of obsidian scales, growing larger and more imposing. His magnificent wings unfurled from his back, casting an immense shadow over the gathered individuals. Majestic horns crowned his head, adding to his imposing stature, and a sinuous tail emerged, swaying with an air of power.

The queen, heroes, and knights stood in awe and trepidation as they witnessed the breathtaking transformation unfold before them. Balthasar's newfound form left him towering above them all, his towering presence commanding their attention. The queen, though regal and composed, couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability in the face of such an immense and formidable creature.

The heroes, usually filled with confidence and bravado, now found themselves trembling in the presence of this colossal Dragon. Fear gripped the knights as they struggled to comprehend the sheer magnitude of Balthasar's size and power. Whispers of awe and terror reverberated through the air, mingling with the silent gasps of those unable to contain their astonishment.

In this imposing form, Balthasar's presence alone spoke volumes, establishing him as an undeniable force to be reckoned with. The room fell into an uneasy silence, overcome by a mixture of respect, reverence, and a touch of primal fear.

Growling at the Heroes, Balthasar painted a vivid picture for them to contemplate. "Imagine a world where individuals capable of Dragonfication roam freely," he snarled. "Each possessing claws that rend through metal, impenetrable scales, tails capable of toppling buildings, and dragon fire that can melt tungsten in seconds."

Motoyasu acknowledged the threat, remarking, "That certainly sounds like a formidable force."

Itsuki, however, pressed on, questioning the checks and balances to prevent abuse of power, reminiscent of what Balthasar's masters may have done. "But what safeguards are in place to prevent others from exploiting their powers, much like your superiors?"

Balthasar's response was swift. "The Enforcers," he answered. "In the case of a rampaging Dragonoid, there is only one outcome."

Itsuki's curiosity piqued, driving him to inquire further. "And what might that be?"

"Death..." Balthasar's tone turned icy cold. "A rampaging Dragonoid is unpredictable and tremendously dangerous. It must be eradicated on sight." The Dragonoid's piercing gaze lingered on the other heroes. "And I expect the same from all of you. If I ever succumb to complete Dragonfication and lose control, you must act swiftly to end me."

Itsuki's voice grew louder as he confronted the Magic Hero with a deep sense of disbelief. He couldn't fathom accepting the idea that their own kind could be killed simply for refusing to be subservient slaves. "No," Itsuki exclaimed, his tone filled with conviction. "This goes against everything we stand for. It is fundamentally wrong!"

Balthasar, the Magic Hero, met Itsuki's intensity with a penetrating gaze and retorted, acknowledging their contrasting principles. His piercing eyes shifted towards the Bow Hero as he made a haunting request. "However, I need your assurance. If, by unfortunate circumstances, I were to lose control, would you have the resolve to end me?"

Itsuki hesitated, caught off guard by the gravity of the request. His mind raced, searching for an answer that aligned with his values, yet addressed the concerns at hand.

Without a moment's hesitation, the Shield Hero, Naofumi, took charge of the situation, speaking with unwavering conviction. "We will do it," he declared firmly, his determination palpable. "Should the day come when you become an uncontrollable threat, we promise to strike you down in order to protect the innocent."

the Bow Hero couldn't hide his disbelief, questioning Naofumi's decision. "Naofumi, can you really be serious about this?"

Naofumi's response was resolute, his voice unwavering. "I understand your reservations," he acknowledged. "But the safety of innocent lives is paramount. We cannot afford to take any chances."

Motoyasu, the Spear Hero, expressed his own uncertainties, his voice trembling with hesitation. "I have my reservations as well, but if it means preventing harm to others, we must be prepared to make these difficult choices."

In this moment of conflicting emotions and moral dilemmas, the heroes stood firm, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the weight of their responsibilities.

Ren's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the weight of Naofumi and Motoyasu's decision. Though conflicted, he recognized the gravity of the situation.

"I understand the stakes, Naofumi, Motoyasu," Ren began, his voice calm yet tinged with doubt. "But as heroes, isn't it our duty to seek alternatives and find a way to save our comrade, rather than resorting to taking his life?"

Itsuki's conviction echoed through the tense air as he declared firmly, "I won't be the one to kill you, even if the circumstances may demand it. I refuse to stoop to your level."

Balthasar's frustration and disdain resonated in his thundering voice as he retorted, "You are a fool, Itsuki! You speak with idealism, but fail to grasp the harsh realities of our world."

Itsuki's fury intensified, his voice filled with unrestrained passion, as he met the dragon's piercing glare head-on. "There is no justification for taking lives, not even in the name of some higher purpose," he proclaimed with unwavering conviction.

"Would you truly choose to sacrifice innocent lives rather than explore every possible alternative?"

Itsuki's words resonated with a profound sense of purpose, emphasizing that killing should never be the default solution.

Balthasar's fiery response was filled with righteous indignation. "You are nothing but a pathetic excuse for a hero," he retorted fiercely. "The day will come when you must face a choice and decide between ending my life or condemning the innocent."

In this charged confrontation, the heroes found themselves at odds, grappling with their differing ideologies and their commitment to protecting lives.

As the Heroes engaged in their heated argument, the bond between the Shield and Magic Hero parties continued to grow stronger. Filo and Emiko found themselves seated beside the second princess, engaging in delightful conversation and sharing a meal. The princess expressed her fascination with Filolials, while also admiring Emiko's soft and fluffy tails. Meanwhile, Gray's restlessness became apparent as he nervously fidgeted with the sword at his side, causing both Raphtalia and Lily to express concern.

"Gray, is something troubling you?" Raphtalia asked, her gaze fixed on their wolf Demi-Human companion.

Gray hesitated for a moment, then gave in to his inner turmoil and removed the sword from his hip. "It's this weapon," he confessed. "A sword is a reliable choice, but I don't have the same proficiency as you and Lily."

Lily chimed in with a reassuring tone, her voice filled with soft determination. "You don't have to limit yourself to just a sword, Gray. There are countless other weapons you can explore."

"I understand that," Gray sighed, his uncertainty evident as he placed the sheathed sword on the table. "But no matter what I try, I never feel truly at ease. I find myself most comfortable when my hands are empty, without the weight of any weapon."

At that moment, a voice sneered with disdain, drawing the attention of the Demi-Humans. It was Sir Mald, a member of the Bow Heroes party. "Perhaps it's in everyone's best interest, you insignificant pests," he spat, his words aimed at the Demi-Humans. "Creatures like you shouldn't even be allowed to look at a weapon, let alone wield one."

The man, clearly under the influence, seemed fully intent on provoking and inciting the Demi-Humans. Sensing the inevitable clash, Lily quickly stepped in, her words filled with measured restraint. "Let's ignore him. He's just an intoxicated troublemaker looking for trouble."

Mald, fueled by his intoxication, jeered and slammed his bottle down on their table. "Why on earth were you filthy monsters even allowed in here? Your repulsive presence is enough to ruin the taste of my wine."

Struggling to maintain her composure, Lily retorted with a defiant voice, "Enough! Leave us alone and go bother someone else."

Mald's response was laced with contempt and venom, as he shouted, "Shut your wretched mouth, you whore!" Gray, unable to contain his rising anger, sprung to his feet, his tail bristling with fury.

"If you dare speak those words again," Gray snarled, his voice seething with intense anger, "you will regret it."

Mald grinned wickedly, reveling in the escalating tension. "I'll address her as I please," he taunted the group, disregarding their affiliation with the Shield or Magic Hero. "You damned Demi-Humans need a harsh lesson in knowing your place."

"Gray, it's not worth it," Lily pleaded, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Despite the provocation, Mald continued to taunt, relishing in the perceived power he held. "Listen to the wolf with loose morals," he sneered, taking pleasure in his words. "Maybe your abominable hero will sell you both back into the clutches of slavery where you truly belong."

"You had better leave," Lily's warning grew more menacing as she cautioned, her hand gradually edging closer to the hilt of her sword.

"We have no use for that monstrosity," Mald proclaimed loudly, his disdain dripping from his every word. "We have Itsuki, Ren, and Motoyasu. We don't need the aid of weak and pathetic Magic Heroes." His gaze shifted towards Lily, an unsettling smile spreading across his face. "You should advise your cowardly magic user to stay out of our way, or he'll only end up getting himself hurt."

Lily met his challenge head-on, her voice gaining strength as she stood up, swiftly drawing her sword. "And who do you think will be the first to suffer?" she countered, her words filled with confidence. "Because I'd wager it won't be Balthasar."

As the spirited hour of heated debate came to an end, a calmness settled over the room, and Balthasar quietly retreated to the wall, allowing the others to resume their conversation.

With a hint of caution in her voice, the Queen spoke, her uneasiness still noticeable in the presence of the Dragonoid. "Moving forward... I have gathered all of you here to share some important news: the Cal Mira Archipelago is on the verge of activation."

Ren couldn't contain his excitement and burst out, a wide grin lighting up his face. "Are you serious?"

"That means the bonus field will be triggered!" Itsuki added, his earlier restlessness now replaced with a calm composure as he settled back in his seat.

Curious to understand more, Naofumi inquired, "Could you please provide some details about this bonus field?"

The Queen explained, "It occurs once every decade. During this time, all experience gained is significantly amplified."

Motoyasu couldn't help but mockingly remark, "You seriously didn't know that, Naofumi?" His laughter filled the room.

However, Balthasar's voice suddenly broke through the laughter, causing Motoyasu to flinch and a flicker of fear to cross his face. "Hey, Fuckhead! Even as the one summoned to this world ahead of all of us, I too remain unaware of the specifics regarding the bonus field."

Just as tensions threatened to escalate further, a sudden knock reverberated through the door of the meeting room, putting a halt to the brewing conflict.

The Queen, in her composed yet authoritative voice, granted permission for the visitor to enter. It was none other than the second princess, Melty, who gracefully stepped into the room. Approaching her mother, she whispered something into the Queen's ear, causing a shift in her expression from composed to exasperated. Frustration washed over her, evident in the gentle rub she gave her left temple.

"It seems that our decision to abstain from attending the ball was indeed wise," the Queen expressed, her tone laden with exasperation.

Noting the frustration in the Queen's voice, Balthasar astutely deduced, "Based on the exasperation in your voice, I dare say it's related to your bitch of a daughter."

"Yes, well... My daughter, let's just say she was attempting to poison the food meant for the Shield Heroes' table," the Queen disclosed, her patience clearly worn thin by her firstborn's actions.

"What!?" Motoyasu exclaimed, rising from his seat in disbelief. "That can't be true!"

"I'm afraid it is true, Sir Motoyasu," Melty addressed the Spear Hero directly, her tone solemn. "When she tried to defend herself, her slave crest reacted."

Balthasar's muttered words caught the attention of the other heroes. "I still believe a single branding could deter any future attempts," he said under his breath, though it didn't escape their notice.

Itsuki's anger boiled over, his voice laced with fury. "First murder, and now branding? You're nothing more than a monster dispensing punishment to everyone except yourself."

Balthasar's voice rumbled with intense determination as he swiftly discarded his jacket. "You're mistaken," he retorted. "We Enforcers were just as susceptible to punishment as any civilian."

Itsuki couldn't contain his disbelief and erupted in a shout. "Bullshit! Based on what you've shared, you dispense blind judgments upon the innocent."

With conviction, Balthasar removed his shirt, revealing four distinct Broken Cross brands etched across his back. The sight silenced Itsuki instantly, as the Dragonoid turned to face the others once more, his resolve undeterred.

Balthasar's voice growled, and he swiftly put his clothes back on, regaining a composed demeanor.

Motoyasu struggled to find his words, his astonishment evident. "You..."

Balthasar completed the Spear Hero's sentence. "I have been marked with the symbol of the unforgiven," he explained. "It is the brand bestowed upon those responsible for the death of another."

A profound anguish resonated in Balthasar's voice as he confided, "I bear the weight of four lives lost: my wife, my daughter, my brother, and my father." However, when he mentioned his brother, a trace of venom seeped into his tone, revealing a deeper layer of unresolved pain.

"You all fail to comprehend the true cruelty of my world compared to yours," Balthasar stated, his words heavy with significance.

"You... You're so ruthless, so devoid of mercy that you slaughtered your own..."

Before the hero could finish his accusation, Balthasar's voice growled with a mix of anger and sorrow, his draconic features intensifying. "Finish that sentence, Itsuki" he warned, his eyes blazing with fury. "And I assure you, it will be the last thing to escape your lips." Gradually, he took deep breaths, regaining his composure and returning to his normal state. "I bear responsibility for their deaths, although I did not directly take their lives."

The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of Balthasar's confession settled upon them all

Ren's voice carried a tinge of curiosity as he inquired, "What exactly happened?"

Balthasar, having regained his composure, responded with a plea, "Respectfully, I ask that you refrain from delving into that matter. To be honest, I prefer to bury that chapter of my past, allowing it to fade into oblivion."

Naofumi's voice exuded weariness and a sincere desire for peace as he implored, "Can we not have a single conversation without descending into arguments?"

Addressing the lingering tensions, the queen interjected, her voice infused with hope, "I also wish to address another matter. While my daughter might have played a part in the issue, I believe that the true hindrance to our progress lies in the animosity among you, the heroes. Therefore, I implore all five of you to resolve your differences and let go of past grievances."

"In what manner precisely?" Balthasar queried, a note of confusion coloring his tone.

The queen clarified her request to foster unity among the Five Cardinal Heroes, stating, "I humbly request that each of you shares the knowledge and insights you have acquired since your summoning. This includes strategies, leveling techniques, hunting tips, and any other valuable information that can be exchanged among all of you."

Ren, cloaked in smug satisfaction, retorted, "That seems rather unnecessary, doesn't it?"

Their conversation deepened, Motoyasu wearing a smirk akin to Ren's as he subtly challenged the latter, "Is there anything of value that we could possibly share? After all, my knowledge is sufficiently equipped to tackle the current situation."

"We would only be wasting our breath" Itsuki reacted sharply, a profound glare directed towards the mage, deliberately dismissive. "Besides, I'd rather not equip the experienced killer with new forms of torture."

Balthasar's patience snapped, boiling sites of frustration coursing through his veins, causing him to lash out at the Bow Hero. "Oh, for the love of all that's unholy, descend from your damned high horse, choke on a festering pile of shit, and rot in the deepest pits of hell"

Queen Mirellia, cloaked in regality, attempted to diffuse the mounting tension, a note of worry subtly coloring her speech. "I fear there may have been a misinterpretation here," the Queen postulated, her voice echoing through the room. She elegantly shut her fan, her intense gaze now fixated wholly on the quartet of heroes. "In absence of changes in our current predicaments, it is prophesied that Sir Naofumi and Sir Balthasar alone would weather the forthcoming terrifying wave."

The Queen's harrowing postulation seemed to hang heavily in the air, an invisible weight unto the Spear, Sword, and Bow heroes. The shock and disbelief painted broadly across their faces as they grappled with the realization

Ren's voice brimming with determination, he confronted the queen, seeking further clarification. "What do you mean by that?" he demanded.

Balthasar wasted no time in responding to the Sword Hero's inquiry, his tone assertive. "It means exactly what she said," he retorted.

Queen Mirellia proceeded to shed light on the heroes' past defeat at the hands of an unknown opponent during the previous wave. "Given the events that transpired, it is highly improbable that you will survive the forthcoming wave," she conveyed, her words carrying a somber weight. "However, the key to victory lies in your ability to work together as a unified force. Consider this meeting as an opportunity to cultivate the solidarity required for success."

Naofumi found himself pondering the queen's words, contemplating the possibility of genuine collaboration with his fellow heroes. As his gaze shifted to rest upon them, doubt crept into his mind. "The queen is right, but can I truly rely on these guys?" he wondered, guarded yet hopeful. "Balthasar has stood by my side since the beginning, but the trust of the others remains elusive, even after the trial."

Itsuki, exasperated, released a sigh before reluctantly agreeing to proceed. "Very well, let us begin with Naofumi and Balthasar," he declared, casting a sharp glare at the two heroes. His thinly veiled skepticism hung in the air as he posed his question. "How did you come into possession of that cheat shield?"

Intrigued by the magical prowess of the Hero of Magic, Ren followed suit, eager to learn the secret behind the staff's transformation into a formidable sword. "And I would like to know your staff has the ability to morph into a sword," he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Balthasar, undeterred by the questioning, shared his experience. "That's due to an ability of my Staff of the Seven Sins, known as Chaos Configuration, is an ability I unlocked after watching a soldier murder a demi-human child," he began. His voice grew somber as he shared the memory of that night.

Motoyasu was visibly taken aback by his words. "God..." he muttered under his breath, the shock evident in his voice.

Driven by emotions of fury and grief, Balthasar went on to explain how these feelings catalyzed the unlock of the Sword of Wrath. "It happened when the anger and rage was too much to bear. Seemingly responding to my intense wrath, my weapon evolved. I learned later that while the sword enhances my attack capability, it also leads to double the damage being reflected back at me."

The penetrating glare from Itsuki did not diminish, as he inquired further about the origins of the staff itself. "The Staff of the Seven Sins—I assume it was not always in your possession. How did you acquire it?"

"I unlocked it during an intense battle. It was when I was fighting against the Leviathan," Balthasar added

In the center of the bustling ballroom, a chaotic brawl unfolded as all five hero parties clashed, their fury unleashed upon one another. Amidst the mayhem, Raphtalia engaged in a fierce battle against the members of Motoyasu's party. However, amidst this chaos, Filo and Emiko found themselves in a different state of mind, calmly enjoying a bowl of fresh fruits.

As Emiko savored a succulent bite of strawberry, she couldn't help but remark, "It seems like there are quite a few mean people among the heroes' parties."

Filo, casually popping a grape into her mouth, nodded in agreement. "Especially that group with the spear guy."

The tension in the room escalated when Lily, fueled by rage, shouted, "I dare you to say that again!" She struggled against the grip of a maid desperately trying to restrain her.

Fearlessly, Mald tightened his hold on Gray, firmly stating, "I'll say it a hundred times! That abominable hero should face the same fate as the rest of you wretched beasts—bound in chains!"

Concerned, the maid pleaded, "Please, miss, you must find your composure."

But Lily was consumed by her animosity. "I'll only find peace when I stain my blade with his blood!" With a sudden burst of strength, she broke free from the maid's grasp, charging fiercely towards the knight.

The tension in the ballroom reached its peak as battles raged on and tempers flared, underscoring the volatile atmosphere within the hero parties.

Naofumi scratched the back of his head, a perplexed expression on his face. "Honestly, I have no clue how I ended up with the Rage Shield," he admitted. "That whole day is a bit of a blur. All I remember is fighting against a reanimated Dragon corpse, consumed by an overwhelming surge of anger and rage."

Balthasar chimed in, placing a hand on his leg as he shared his insight. "You see, we're really in the dark when it comes to these weapons. All we know is that they possess incredible power but come at a heavy cost to wield," he explained.

Indeed, Balthasar carried both physical and mental burdens as a Dragonoid. Evidenced by persistent black scales on parts of his body, even when in his human form, and haunting nightmares that delved into his past and the lives he couldn't save.

"Now it's your turn to share," Naofumi insisted, eager to learn more. "We've told you how we obtained our weapons, so it's only fair that you reveal your story."

Itsuki muttered softly under his breath, expressing his dissatisfaction with the lack of information they were provided. "They could've at least given us more details about these 'cheat' weapons," he grumbled.

Ren, crossing his arms, joined the discussion. "Regardless, it's only fair that we exchange information. They could've chosen not to disclose anything to us," he reasoned.

Motoyasu, the Spear Hero, broke his silence and addressed Naofumi and Balthasar. "Alright, I'll explain," he began, his grin widening. "There's an ability that allows you to replicate weapons. It's called the Weapon Copy System, and if you come across another weapon of the same type as your legendary weapon, you can create a copy."

Itsuki beamed with a smile as he recounted, "It really helped us when we were starting out. We essentially received powerful weapons for free."

Balthasar's curiosity was piqued. "Is it really that easy?" he questioned incredulously.

Naofumi's voice rose in surprise. "Hold on a second. All you have to do is pick it up?"

Motoyasu chuckled and confirmed, "Yep, it's that easy."

Itsuki and Ren couldn't help but chuckle along with the Spear Hero. Itsuki began to say something, but his words were quickly interrupted.

Balthasar, growing impatient, chose to cut to the chase. "Enough with the small talk. Just tell us how it works," he demanded.

Ren stepped in to explain, "Well, as long as you have the required Crafting skill and the recipes, you can feed the weapon the necessary materials, and it will automatically craft the item."

Naofumi expressed his surprise. "Really?" he exclaimed, while Balthasar shook his head in disbelief. "I've been doing everything manually."

Balthasar clarified, "It's meant to be done manually."

Ren seemed puzzled and questioned the Dragonoid, "What do you mean?"

Balthasar proceeded to explain his point, "The problem is that the quality suffers. I'm aware of this feature, but everything it produces, aside from weaponry, lacks quality."

Motoyasu seemed intrigued and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Balthasar revealed his demonstration, producing a bottle of green liquid. "This is a Recovery Potion. It replenishes hit points, mana points, and skill points." He placed the bottle on the table and continued, "Who among you has the ability to craft this?"

"I do." Itsuki said confidently, retrieving a bottle from his weapon's gem and placing it on the table.

"Good. Now, appraise both bottles, and you'll see the stark difference between skill and hard work," Balthasar challenged, sliding his potion towards the Bow Hero.

Itsuki activated his appraisal skill, and his eyes widened in surprise. The potion he made was labeled as a Quality Recovery Potion, while Balthasar's potion was labeled as a Greater Recovery Potion.

Confusion clouded Itsuki's expression as he stammered, "What? How is the quality higher than mine?"

"Mine is made by hand. I suggest using the crafting skill for armor, weapons, and tools." Balthasar proudly explained, "However, when it comes to crafting medicine or potions, do it manually. The more effort you put into it by hand, the higher the quality and the greater the effects will be."

Itsuki then chimed in, surprising Balthasar, saying, "By the way, there's also a teleport skill available."

Balthasar was taken aback, exclaiming, "Wait, what?!"

Itsuki clarified, "Yes, this skill allows you to teleport to places you've previously visited."

"I've been relying on a Transportation Spell," Balthasar lamented, frustrated with himself. "It takes ages to cast and depletes most of my mana just to teleport myself and my party."

Naofumi, realizing the missed opportunity, muttered to himself, "That would have made life so much easier."

Itsuki, with a smile, continued, "Now, let me share the most crucial aspect—how to become strong as quickly as possible. Ultimately, being the best in this world depends on the rarity of your weapon."

Ren interjected, countering Itsuki's statement. "Don't mislead them," he said to the Bow Hero. "The key lies in mastering Weapon Proficiency."

"No, you're both mistaken!" Motoyasu interjected passionately, jumping to his feet. "Enhancing and augmenting your weapon's stats is what truly matters."

Naofumi sighed, shaking his head. "And here we go again, arguing," he remarked.

Itsuki couldn't contain his disbelief, standing up and slamming his hands on the table. "Weapons that are rarer are undoubtedly more valuable!"

Ren disagreed, joining the other heroes in their discussion. "You're simply making that up. It's not a proven fact."

Motoyasu interjected with conviction, "No, you have to refine a weapon to make it stronger! Check the help screen!"

Balthasar reached his boiling point and spewed his dragon flames, shouting, "We gathered here to have a discussion, not a brawl. Sit down and keep silent!"

Unfortunately, this only sparked a whole new argument among the heroes.

Sir Mald's sword gleamed as it soared through the air, capturing the flickering light of the candles. With an earth-shaking roar, he charged forward, his heavy footfalls resonating across the expanse of the marble floor. Each of his strikes possessed a calculated intensity, aimed at overpowering his adversaries.

Lily, wielding her sword with remarkable skill, met Sir Mald head-on, matching his strength and precision blow for blow. Her deft parries effortlessly countered his attacks, showcasing her deadly efficiency in combat. Meanwhile, Gray circled around the knight, ready to unleash the formidable power of his fists.

The collision of metal and the resounding thuds of Gray's mighty punches filled the room, creating a symphony of battle. Lily's impeccable mastery of the sword was on full display, her strikes flowing with a fluid grace that merged seamlessly with her innate agility. Each swing, a carefully calculated ballet, targeted Sir Mald's vulnerabilities while evading his ferocious assaults.

Amidst the chaos, Gray's fists moved like lightning, becoming a mesmerizing blur as he weaved in and out of the fight. His powerful blows found their mark on Sir Mald's armor, shaking the knight's confidence and denting his resolve. Gray exemplified the grace and power of a wolf, his movements an elegant and raw combination.

As the intensity of the fight escalated, the pressure on Sir Mald intensified from all sides. Lily's precision and agility kept him firmly on the defensive, while Gray's unrelenting strength pushed the knight to his limits. In the expansive banquet room, a once serene setting, the clash of weapons and the thunderous impact of Gray's punches resounded through its grand halls, transforming it into an epic battleground.

"You Bastard!" The Bow, Spear, and Sword Heroes shouted, brandishing their weapons in a fit of rage.

Amid the escalating conflict, the Knights grew weary of the Heroes. Sensing the tension, Naofumi swiftly intervened by pulling out his shield and shielding the Queen and her daughter from harm. However, it was Balthasar who took charge of the situation. Transforming into his powerful hybrid form, the Dragonoid, he forcefully slammed his claws down on the Sword and Spear Heroes, while his tail coiled around the Bow Hero, immobilizing them.

"Enough!" Balthasar's roar reverberated with such intensity that it knocked the knights off their feet. "We will not have any more chaos! Sit down!" With a compelling force, the Dragonoid guided the heroes back to their chairs before reverting to his human size. "Now, let us reason like civilized individuals!" Balthasar transformed back into his human form and took a seat. "We must find a way to resolve this without resorting to bloodshed!"

"Seems quite unfair that you possess such an overwhelming dragon form," Motoyasu grumbled under his breath.

"Just so you know, my dragon ears can hear every word," Balthasar replied, trying to regain his composure after his outburst. "I don't enjoy relying on that form. The more I use it, the greater the risk of losing control over my emotions."

"This is utterly pointless!" he exclaimed, fed up with the hero's bickering. "I'm leaving."

With a heavy sigh, Balthasar rose to his feet, sharing Naofumi's sentiment. "Naofumi is right," he said, shaking his head in disappointment. "This entire exchange has been an absolute waste of our time."

So we have reached the end of another chapter. now soon we'll move on to the Cal Mira Archipelago. I can't wait, but of course there will be filler between now and then since I cut this chapter off halfway through the episode